a primitive root; to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against; gore, push (down, -ing).
Transliteration:nâgach
Pronunciation:naw-gakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָגַח (nâgach, `{{H5055}}`) is a primitive verb whose core meaning is "to butt with the horns." This literal sense evokes a powerful, direct, and often aggressive physical impact, characteristic of horned animals. From this concrete image, the word extends its semantic range figuratively to encompass the broader concepts of "to gore," "to push (down, -ing)," and, most notably, "to war against." The underlying nuance consistently points to a forceful, often violent, encounter or assertion of dominance. It is not merely a gentle nudge but an act of aggressive propulsion, aiming to displace, injure, or overcome an opponent. The imagery implies a head-on collision or a determined, forceful advance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָגַח (nâgach, `{{H5055}}`) in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications, moving from literal animal behavior to complex socio-political and prophetic contexts.
* **Legal Context (Exodus 21:28-32):** The most direct literal use appears in the Mosaic Law concerning an ox that "gores" (נָגַח) a man or woman to death. This passage underscores the destructive potential of such an act and establishes legal liability, demonstrating God's concern for life and justice. The repetition emphasizes the severity of the incident and the consequences for the animal and its owner.
* **Military Strength and Conquest (Deuteronomy 33:17, 1 Kings 22:11 / 2 Chronicles 18:10):** In the blessing of Joseph, his descendants are likened to the horns of a wild ox, with which they "push" (נָגַח) the peoples to the ends of the earth [[Deuteronomy 33:17]]. Here, נָגַח metaphorically represents military might, expansion, and forceful subjugation of enemies. Similarly, the prophet Zedekiah uses iron horns to symbolize the power with which King Ahab will "push" (נָגַח) the Arameans until they are consumed [[1 Kings 22:11]], reinforcing the theme of aggressive warfare and victory.
* **Oppression and Injustice (Ezekiel 34:21):** In a powerful indictment of the unrighteous leaders of Israel, God declares that the strong sheep "push" (נָגַח) the weak and sick with horn and shoulder. This usage highlights the word's application to internal oppression and the abuse of power within a community, where the strong exploit and harm the vulnerable. It reveals a profound ethical dimension.
* **Prophetic Conflict (Daniel 8:4, 6, 7, 10):** The book of Daniel employs נָגַח extensively in the vision of the ram and the goat. The ram is seen "butting" (נָגַח) westward, northward, and southward [[Daniel 8:4]], symbolizing the expansion of the Medo-Persian Empire. Subsequently, the goat "butted" (נָגַח) against the ram with fury and broke its two horns [[Daniel 8:6-7]], representing the swift conquest of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. This repeated use in a prophetic context vividly portrays the violent clashes and shifts of power among earthly kingdoms. The vision also describes one of the horns "butting" (נָגַח) against the host of heaven [[Daniel 8:10]], indicating an aggressive assault against God's people or even divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָגַח (nâgach, `{{H5055}}`) intersects with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Words for Conflict and Warfare:** While נָגַח specifically emphasizes a forceful, head-on impact, it relates to broader terms for fighting and conquest, such as לָחַם (lāḥam, `{{H3898}}`, "to fight"), קָרַב (qārab, `{{H7126}}`, "to draw near, engage in battle"), and כָּבַשׁ (kābash, `{{H3533}}`, "to subdue, bring into bondage"). נָגַח often describes the *manner* of fighting—a direct, aggressive charge.
* **Words for Horns:** The literal origin of נָגַח is intrinsically linked to קֶרֶן (qeren, `{{H7161}}`, "horn"), which itself is a potent symbol of strength, power, and authority throughout the Bible. The act of "butting" is inherently an exercise of this horned power.
* **Concepts of Power and Dominance:** The word frequently appears in contexts where power dynamics are central—whether the power of an animal, the military might of a nation, or the oppressive force of the strong over the weak.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** In contexts like Exodus and Ezekiel, the use of נָגַח highlights the need for justice when harm is inflicted and serves as a descriptor of the actions that provoke divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָגַח (nâgach, `{{H5055}}`) is multi-faceted, reflecting God's character, His dealings with humanity, and the nature of the world.
* **God's Concern for Justice:** The legal statutes in Exodus demonstrate God's meticulous concern for justice, even in cases of accidental harm. The strict penalties for an ox that "gores" underscore the sanctity of human life and the accountability of those responsible for potentially dangerous entities. This reflects God's righteous character and His demand for a just society.
* **The Reality of Conflict in a Fallen World:** The pervasive use of נָגַח to describe military conquests and the clash of empires in prophetic visions (especially Daniel) acknowledges the reality of conflict, aggression, and power struggles in a fallen world. These earthly "buttings" are often driven by human ambition and sin.
* **Divine Sovereignty over History:** Even amidst the violent "butting" of nations, the prophetic texts reveal that God remains sovereign. He permits, directs, and ultimately judges these conflicts, using them to fulfill His purposes and bring about His ultimate kingdom. The rise and fall of empires, characterized by their aggressive "pushing," are all under His divine orchestration.
* **Ethical Imperative Against Oppression:** The use of נָגַח in Ezekiel's condemnation of the shepherds who "push" the weak sheep provides a powerful ethical lesson. It highlights God's abhorrence of oppression, exploitation, and the abuse of power, especially by those entrusted with leadership. This reinforces the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to exercise power righteously.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָגַח (nâgach, `{{H5055}}`) fundamentally conveys the idea of a forceful, aggressive impact, originating from the literal act of "butting with horns." Its semantic range extends to encompass "goring," "pushing," and "warring against," consistently implying a direct and often violent confrontation or assertion of dominance. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its application across various contexts: from the legal consequences of an ox's literal goring [[Exodus 21:28]], to metaphorical descriptions of military conquest and national power [[Deuteronomy 33:17]], to condemnations of internal oppression within a community [[Ezekiel 34:21]], and most notably, to vivid prophetic depictions of the violent clashes between earthly kingdoms [[Daniel 8:4]]. Theologically, נָגַח underscores God's commitment to justice, acknowledges the pervasive reality of conflict in a fallen world, affirms divine sovereignty over historical events, and provides a stark ethical warning against the abuse of power and the oppression of the vulnerable. The word's imagery remains potent, signifying a determined, often destructive, assertion of force.
TRV